04-13-2004, 08:48 PM
Scott,<br>
The full head, masked helmets depicting Amazon and Greek warriors were certainly intended for Cavarly sports, and this has implied that all of these helmets were used in cavalry sports. However, the helmets found with many of these helmets are definately combat-worthy, and usually conform to regular cavalry helmets. I believe these helmets were no different than visored and visorless open faced helmets in the middle ages. It was a matter of preference, though the visors could be easily removed as well. There is some evidence that some standard bearers may be wearing masked helmets, and this is practical, for when gripping a standard with both hands, one cannot use a shield to deflect blows/missiles.<br>
<br>
Good evidence that these helmets were used in combat was the discovery of the faceplate of one at kalkriese, a battlefield of some sort deep in "barbarian" Germany, and therefore probably not lost in "cavalry sports".<br>
<br>
The two masked helmets made by deepeeka are the Levy/Kalkriese type (with eyebrows like an imperial Gallic), and the copy of a Ribchester helmet with more elaborate mask and embosed figures on the skull.<br>
<br>
There are Greek masked helmets that predate the Roman by hundres of years. Supposedly, there is one from a celtic contest in Britain that may date to the time of Caesar. The Kalkriese mask is certainly of Augustan date.<br>
<br>
I will try to post the original pad saddle tomorrow, as it is already past midnight here.<br>
<br>
Dan <p></p><i></i>
The full head, masked helmets depicting Amazon and Greek warriors were certainly intended for Cavarly sports, and this has implied that all of these helmets were used in cavalry sports. However, the helmets found with many of these helmets are definately combat-worthy, and usually conform to regular cavalry helmets. I believe these helmets were no different than visored and visorless open faced helmets in the middle ages. It was a matter of preference, though the visors could be easily removed as well. There is some evidence that some standard bearers may be wearing masked helmets, and this is practical, for when gripping a standard with both hands, one cannot use a shield to deflect blows/missiles.<br>
<br>
Good evidence that these helmets were used in combat was the discovery of the faceplate of one at kalkriese, a battlefield of some sort deep in "barbarian" Germany, and therefore probably not lost in "cavalry sports".<br>
<br>
The two masked helmets made by deepeeka are the Levy/Kalkriese type (with eyebrows like an imperial Gallic), and the copy of a Ribchester helmet with more elaborate mask and embosed figures on the skull.<br>
<br>
There are Greek masked helmets that predate the Roman by hundres of years. Supposedly, there is one from a celtic contest in Britain that may date to the time of Caesar. The Kalkriese mask is certainly of Augustan date.<br>
<br>
I will try to post the original pad saddle tomorrow, as it is already past midnight here.<br>
<br>
Dan <p></p><i></i>
